Moving to Houston

We understand that you are moving your lives, your family, and your unique expectations. Moving to Houston for any reason, there are several very important facts to consider.

Health

Immunizations are an important part of protecting your child's, family's, community's health. State law requires students in Texas schools to be immunized against certain vaccine-preventable diseases. More information about required vaccines for schools is available on the Texas Department of State Health Services website.

Houston has state-of-the-art medical facilities. If you are sick or injured you don't have to worry, as the city is home to the largest medical centre in the world.

Transport

After moving to Texas, new residents must apply for a Texas driver's license within 90 days, and complete vehicle inspection and registration within 30 days. The Texas Department of Public Safety issues drivers licenses and oversees vehicle inspections, while the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles registers vehicles.

If you will be living in the city without a vehicle, you can make use of the area's mass transit system, which is limited. Bottom line: new residents need a car.

You should also consider an EZtag for your vehicle you can't use the Westpark Tollway without it, and it will speed up any journey on the Sam Houston Tollway (Beltway 8). Buying a sat nav (called GPS here) is also a good idea, although most smart phones now have this feature.

Weather

Houston averages over 200 sunny days per year. Temperatures vary greatly in from summer to winter, ranging from the high 90s in July and August to the 30s in January. The city experiences 4-5 months with temperatures above 90 degrees, with the humidity causing a heat index even greater than the actual temperature.

Snowfall is rare, but rain is common. Houston receives about 50 inches of rainfall a year, which can sometimes cause flash flooding. Be sure to pack a varied wardrobe to accommodate the fluctuating climate.